Reprimo-like protein (RPRML)

Reprimo-like protein (RPRML) is a member of the Reprimo gene family, which consists of poorly characterized, single-exon, intronless genes with roles in tumor suppression and cell cycle regulation[1][2][3][4]. RPRML is expressed at low levels in most human tissues and is similar in sequence and function to Reprimo (RPRM), another tumor suppressor protein. Evidence suggests that RPRML functions as a tumor suppressor, especially in the context of gastric cancer, where its expression is often silenced via DNA methylation[1]. Downregulation of RPRML protein is associated with worse prognosis and enhanced cell proliferation in gastric cancer. Experimental overexpression of RPRML in cancer cell lines leads to reduced proliferation, colony formation, and anchorage-independent growth, suggesting a role in inhibiting tumor progression through G2/M cell cycle arrest[1]. Beyond oncology, studies in zebrafish suggest RPRML is essential for definitive hematopoiesis (blood cell development), though its physiological roles in adult humans remain incompletely defined[2]. Methylated RPRML DNA in circulation may serve as a non-invasive biomarker for gastric cancer detection[1]. There are currently no direct pharmacological agents targeting RPRML, and its mechanisms outside cancer biology require further research.

Other names

Reprimo-likeRPRMLMGC43894reprimo-like protein